Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) come into effect across Torbay

Torbay Council have revised an alcohol PSPO in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and introduced a new dispersal one in Torquay town centre.

A PSPO is a positive way to help prevent anti-social behaviour (ASB) and can provide an effective response to some of the issues that are of concern to local people and businesses.

Amendments to the alcohol PSPOs will now prohibit the consumption of alcohol in defined public spaces. If someone is seen drinking alcohol in the defined zones within Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, then an authorised officer or the police can inform them of the PSPO and ask them to stop drinking. Previously alcohol would only be removed if it was linked to nuisance or disorder.

We have also introduced a new dispersal order PSPO for Torquay town centre which includes powers for the police and authorised officers to direct any individuals causing nuisance or disorder out from the dispersal zone and not to return for up to 24 hours or face enforcement.

Under the conditions of the PSPOs, someone can receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of up to £100 if they fail to follow the instructions of enforcement officers.

Alternatively, if a person fails to comply with a PSPO they could face prosecution. A breach of the PSPO is a criminal offence and the individual could be liable to a maximum penalty of £1,000.

The PSPOs began on 1 May and will run for three years. Signs will notify of the PSPO within the relevant areas reminding people they are in a restricted area.

These PSPOs are part of co-ordinated response to address local concerns. Other measures include more town centre officers, ASB investigation officers and environmental crime enforcement staff.

This will more than double the number of ASB investigation officers currently working across Torbay, enabling further enforcement action to be taken.

The multi-pronged approach is part of Operation Town Centres, our drive to ensure Torbay is safe and welcoming.

The work will be carried out through collaboration between police, council staff and SWISco workers.

The PSPO proposals went out to public consultation in January and February, with more than 300 people responding.

The consultation found that 93% of respondents were in favour of the proposal to prohibit alcohol consumption in the defined areas and just over 95% of respondents considered alcohol an issue in Torbay’s public spaces. 65% of those surveyed felt the defined zones were enough.

More than 94% of respondents were in favour of the dispersal order for Torquay. Just over 78% of respondents said they had experienced ASB in the town centre and 67% of people felt that the defined zones were adequate cover.

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said: “We want our town centres to be safe and welcoming for all who live, work and visit them. Crime and anti-social behaviour – and the fear of it – have a detrimental effect on people’s quality of life.

“A PSPO is not there to stop people enjoying our open spaces, we simply want to make sure that everyone is able to enjoy those spaces safely. These PSPOs are an extra tool to help our officers and the police combat ASB.”

Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who responded to our consultation earlier this year. The survey responses showed widespread support for PSPOs and what they are trying to achieve.

“They form an important part of our work on Operation Town Centres, which will see us work closely with the police to address public concerns about ASB.”

Superintendent Hayley Costar, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “We welcome the opportunity to be consulted as a statutory partner and support the proposals for the introduction of these orders. They will provide a welcome addition to our collective powers in addressing ASB in our town centres.”